Gold Coast Company Alder Constructions Pty Ltd has won the contract to upgrade the Gold Coast Hockey Centre ahead of the Gold Coast 2018 Commonwealth Games.

Commonwealth Games Minister Stirling Hinchliffe said the Helensvale firm will undertake construction works on the $14.5 Million project which will support 50 local jobs.

“This is a significant project for a local Gold Coast company that will generate local jobs and deliver a world class hockey facility that will be a lasting legacy for the community.” Minister Hinchliffe said.

“From design through construction, the redevelopment of the Gold Coast Hockey Centre for the 2018 Commonwealth Games will support 50 jobs for Queenslanders.”

“With this contract going to a local Gold Coast business, it means locals will be on the job leading the transformation and upgrade of the venue.”

“The hockey redevelopment will include the realignment of the synthetic pitches to meet international competition requirements as well as the upgrade and expansion of the clubhouse to deliver permanent seating for 200 spectators, with capacity for 5,000 spectators at Games time.” Minister Hinchliffe said.

“The upgrade will not only provide outstanding facilities for the local hockey community, it will help attract major competitions and international training camps long after GC2018.”

Gold Coast Mayor Tom Tate said the announcement was a boost for jobs on the Gold Coast.

“I’m pleased the tender for the works to the Gold Coast Hockey Centre has gone to a local firm. Much of the Gold Coast 2018 Commonwealth Games (GC2018) expenditure will be on procurement, offering a wide range of business opportunities for local suppliers.” Cr. Tate said.

“The Gold Coast Hockey Centre is a legacy project that will ensure Hockey remains a key sport on the Gold Coast beyond GC2018 and will help attract other major competitions and international training camps in future.”

Federal Minister for Sport Sussan Ley said it was great to see the competitiveness of the local construction industry in winning this contract.

“This investment in hockey infrastructure will support local jobs, providing a boost to the economy, and deliver the community a Centre that meets international standards for local and visiting athletes.” Ms. Ley said.

“The Federal Government has committed $156 Million to the 2018 Commonwealth Games to provide a legacy into the future, not just for south-east Queensland, but for the nation as a whole.”

Alder Constructions are scheduled to commence work on expanding the existing clubhouse facility in February 2016 and work on the world-class synthetic pitches will take place over the hockey off-season from late 2016.

Upgrades will include:

Expansion of the existing amenities building to incorporate new meeting rooms,

Kitchen and bar facilities,

A function room,

Change rooms,

Toilets,

Permanent spectator seating overlooking the two synthetic pitches.

Gold Coast office of architectural firm MODE Design provided the designs for the upgraded Hockey Centre while the Gold Coast office of Aquenta Consulting is the Audit Quantity Surveyor.

Gold Coast Hockey Centre project is scheduled for completion in early 2017, 12 months ahead of the Games.

Gold Coast 2018 Commonwealth Games (GC2018) will inject approximately $2 Billion into the economy and presents one of the most significant procurement programs over the next decade with a wide-range of opportunities for business.